03/09/2016
Heil Sound[1], a name that's probably synonymous within the Amateur Radio
community for its microphones and "boom set" microphone/headset combinations,
is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Heil Sound came into being in 1966
as Ye Olde Music Shoppe - a music store in Marissa, Illinois, the home town of
its founder Bob Heil, K9EID. The celebration - being called "50 Years of
Maximum Rock 'N Roll" - kicked off at the winter NAMM show. A commemorative
series of interviews[2], packaged as podcasts, also debuted with the new year.
The series highlights the history of Heil Sound.
Heil initially made a name for himself working with music performers to provide
sound reinforcement for their live gigs, initially supplying full sound system
packages for venues and festivals throughout the Midwest and later working with
world-class acts, such as Humble Pie, The Who, The Grateful Dead, and Joe
Walsh, WB6ACU. Heil said it was the Dead's Jerry Garcia who suggested changing
the name of his enterprise to Heil Sound. Among other innovations, Heil created
the quadraphonic sound system for The Who's "Quadrophenia" tour as well as the
Heil Talk Box made famous by Joe Walsh and Peter Frampton.
By 1982 Heil Sound had curtailed the touring side of the business and began
concentrating on developing products for the Amateur Radio market. He also
launched a home theater division. Amateur Radio and professional audio came
together in 2006, when Walsh suggested that Heil Sound develop microphones for
concert use. Heil Sound designed and manufactured high-quality microphones and
has gained a reputation among music performers for its professional microphone
products, such as the PR30 and PR40.
Bob Heil and his wife and business partner Sarah - who is the president of Heil
Sound - are frequent visitors at major Amateur Radio conventions and
gatherings.
[1] http://www.heilsound.com/
[2] http://podcasts.heilsound.com/
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